Lexical Summary alazón: Boaster, braggart, arrogant person Original Word: ἀλαζών Strong's Exhaustive Concordance boaster. From ale (vagrancy); braggart -- boaster. HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 213 alazṓn (a masculine noun) – properly, a wandering vagrant (vagabond), boasting to anyone who is foolish enough to take him seriously! This kind of person claims many things he can't really do, so he must always keep moving on to new, naive listeners. [As a masculine noun, 213 (alazṓn) tends to focus on the source of the empty boasting, i.e. the sinful arrogance that drives it.] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom alé (wandering) Definition vagabond, hence an impostor, boaster NASB Translation boastful (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 213: ἀλαζώνἀλαζών, (ονος, ὁ, ἡ (ἄλη, wandering) (from Aristophanes on), an empty pretender, a boaster: Romans 1:30; 2 Timothy 3:2. (Trench, § xxix.; Tittmann i., p. 73f; Schmidt, chapter 172, 2.) Topical Lexicon Definition and Character Profile The term describes a person who loudly advertises self-importance, exaggerates accomplishments, and seeks admiration without true substance. Such a boaster is driven by pride and self-love rather than by devotion to God or service to neighbor. Scripture links this disposition to folly, moral darkness, and divine displeasure. Old Testament Background Although the precise Greek word does not appear in the Septuagint, the concept is vividly portrayed. Proverbs repeatedly warns against haughty speech and inflated claims (Proverbs 27:2; 25:14). The prophet Isaiah denounces Assyria for boasting in its own strength (Isaiah 10:12-15). These passages lay the moral groundwork later assumed by New Testament writers: arrogance is antagonistic to the fear of the Lord. New Testament Usage 1. Romans 1:30 lists “arrogant” people among those who have “exchanged the glory of the immortal God” (Romans 1:23) and therefore sink into every form of unrighteousness. Boasting here is a symptom of humanity’s rebellion once true worship is abandoned. Theological Significance Boasting usurps glory that belongs to God alone. It originates in the same pride that expelled Satan from heaven and brought sin to Eden. Consequently, salvation by grace excludes boasting (Ephesians 2:9). The gospel confronts the alazōn by declaring that all human righteousness is “filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6) and that only “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:31). Historical Observations Greco-Roman society prized honor won through public acclaim. Philosophers such as Dio Chrysostom mocked the alazōn as a social nuisance, but the gospel exposes the deeper spiritual root. Early Christian writers—from Clement of Rome to Augustine—applied Paul’s warnings to church leaders who sought prestige rather than humble service. Periodic revivals in church history have often been marked by renewed abhorrence of religious display and fresh commitment to Christlike meekness. Pastoral and Ministry Applications • Discernment: Leaders must watch for boastful tones in preaching, social media, and ministry reports. Inflated narratives erode credibility and grieve the Spirit. Practical Counsel for Modern Disciples 1. Meditate on Scriptures that elevate God’s sovereignty (Psalm 115:1) and expose the fleeting nature of human fame (James 4:14). Summary Strong’s Greek 213 pinpoints a heart posture diametrically opposed to the humility of Christ. The brief New Testament witness, set against the broader biblical narrative, calls believers to reject self-aggrandizement and embrace a life that “makes its boast in the Lord” (Psalm 34:2). Forms and Transliterations αλαζονας αλαζόνας ἀλαζόνας αλαζονες αλαζόνες ἀλαζόνες αλαζόνων αλαζών αλαλάγμασιν αλαλαγμόν αλαλαγμός αλαλαγμού αλαλαγμώ alazonas alazónas alazones alazónesLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Romans 1:30 N-AMPGRK: ὑβριστάς ὑπερηφάνους ἀλαζόνας ἐφευρετὰς κακῶν NAS: arrogant, boastful, inventors KJV: proud, boasters, inventors INT: insolent arrogant boastful inventors of evil things 2 Timothy 3:2 N-NMP Strong's Greek 213 |
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